novelzi Chapter 17 19:A Scapegoat?
Chapter 17 19:A Scapegoat?
Her name was Lady Seraphina Emberheart, head of the Emberheart House.
The only woman Duchess of the Arcadia Empire.
A figure of awe and terror to those who tried to fend against her.
Her golden hair seemed to ripple like molten fire as it floated unnaturally, as if caught in an unseen breeze.
Her face was pale and sharp, her features carved with precision, and her golden eyes burned with an intensity that seemed to pierce through the very soul. There was no warmth in her gaze. Rather, it was filled with only fury, sorrow, and an unrelenting resolve.
Seraphina stood among the bodies of her enemies, her sword dripping with their blood.
Around her, the ground was littered with the twisted forms of cultists and evil god worshippers who had dared to challenge her.
Their dark robes and masks lay scattered like discarded remnants of their failed ambush. Shadows dissolved into nothingness under the blazing light that emanated from her.
Aura of darkness seeped out from their bodies, permeating around, but as it came closer to Seraphina, it would start burning.
She was the embodiment of radiance, but there was no kindness in her light, only destruction for those who stood against her.
"For a pest who commits all kinds of dishonorable deeds, you surely bark too much as though it's you who suffered a grave injustice," she muttered while spitting in disgust.
This was supposed to be a rare day of peace for Seraphina. She had promised her daughter a visit to the marketplace and went on a shopping spree with her lovely daughter.
Today was a rare chance to leave behind the weight of responsibility and simply enjoy being a mother. It was meant to be a day filled with laughter and shared moments, a break from the ever-present shadows that loomed over her family.
But peace was a luxury she could not afford.
The man whimpered, clutching at the seared wound on his chest.
He tried to speak, but his voice caught in his throat as light poured from her sword, burning through him like fire.
She saw him trying to use poison and scoffed, "It seems you are already a discarded dead pawn, so no use keeping you."
The sword burst with solar rays.
His screams filled the air as black blood spilled from his lips, staining the ground beneath him. His body convulsed violently before going still and then—
BOOM!
With a soft explosion of blinding light, his figure was burned into ashes.
Seraphina watched with cold detachment, her lip curling in disgust. She yanked her sword from the ground, flicking it clean. A burst of golden light engulfed the blade, burning away the taint of darkness until it gleamed once more.
She turned her gaze to her trusted mate, her loyal servant Mina, who stood nearby, her posture tense and ready. Mina's face was calm, but her eyes carried a flicker of relief.
"Did you get the man?" Seraphina asked, her tone sharp and devoid of warmth.
"Yes, my Lady," Mina replied, bowing slightly. "He has been caught and bound."
Seraphina's lips curved into a cruel smile, her eyes glinting with deadly intent. "Good. Take me to him. I should apologize for not taking him seriously and force open his mouth if necessary and..."
She paused, looking around at the dirty ashes left behind by the filthy corpses.
"Clean this place thoroughly. If required, inform the Pastors of Creation."
"As you wish, Your Grace."